The Wiccan Wheel of the Year is a yearly calendar that celebrates and honors the changing seasons and natural cycles. In 2023, this calendar will include eight Sabbats or holy days which mark significant points in the year. The first Sabbat of the year is Imbolc, which falls on February 2nd. It marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and recognizes the return of the sun and the early signs of spring. Next, we have Ostara, also known as the spring equinox, which takes place around March 20th. This Sabbat celebrates the balance between light and dark and the awakening of the earth after winter.
The history of Christmas trees begins in Europe (most say Germany; others have it in Baltic States) in the 1500–1600s. It has nothing to do with worshipping trees or false gods, but like the temple, its use is meant to give glory to God in Jesus Christ. The evergreen trees in winter were a reminder of a more perfect time. These trees in the home originated as “paradise trees” representing the garden of Eden and made their way into Christmas decor.
This passage of Scripture is a warning about following the gentiles in their ways of making false wooden idols and the futility of worshipping such false gods. In the original calculation of the Julian calendar, the solstice was on December 25, but by AD 300 the Julian calendar had drifted to have the solstice on December 23.
This Sabbat celebrates the balance between light and dark and the awakening of the earth after winter. Following Ostara, Beltane occurs on May 1st. It represents the peak of spring and the beginning of summer.
Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday?
Beltane is a time of fertility and abundance, with traditions such as dancing around maypoles and lighting bonfires. Then comes Litha, or the summer solstice, on June 21st. This Sabbat marks the longest day of the year and the peak of summer. It celebrates the power of the sun and the abundance of nature. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, falls on August 1st. This Sabbat marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time to give thanks for the first fruits of the year. It is also associated with the Celtic god Lugh. Mabon, or the autumn equinox, takes place around September 21st. This Sabbat represents the balance between light and dark once again, as the days become shorter and the nights longer. Mabon celebrates the second harvest and the abundance of the earth. Samhain, perhaps the most well-known Sabbat, occurs on October 31st. It is a time to honor and remember the ancestors and to celebrate the thinning of the veil between the worlds. Samhain also marks the end of the harvest season. Finally, we have Yule, or the winter solstice, which falls around December 21st. This Sabbat marks the shortest day of the year and the rebirth of the sun. Yule is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebrating the return of light. Each of these Sabbats represents a connection to nature, the changing seasons, and the cycles of life. They provide an opportunity for Wiccans to come together, honor the Earth, and celebrate the beauty and magic of the natural world..
Reviews for "Understanding the Divine Feminine in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year 2023"
- Karen - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Wiccan Wheel of the Year 2023." I found the book to be poorly written and lacking in substance. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own beliefs rather than providing useful information to readers. The rituals and spells mentioned in the book were vague and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone serious about studying Wicca.
- John - 2 stars
As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was excited to get my hands on "Wiccan Wheel of the Year 2023." However, I found the book to be quite disappointing. The information provided was too basic and superficial, lacking any real depth or insights. There were several inaccuracies and misunderstandings throughout the book, which made it difficult to take the author seriously. I would suggest looking for more comprehensive and well-researched books on the subject.
- Lisa - 2 stars
I was hoping to find some new and innovative ideas in "Wiccan Wheel of the Year 2023," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book seemed to recycle the same old rituals and practices without offering anything fresh or exciting. The writing style was also tedious and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown, and I would recommend exploring other resources for a more enriching Wiccan experience.